Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signs statewide school cellphone ban

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2427, mandating all public school districts in the state to adopt "bell‑to‑bell" bans on personal wireless communication devices beginning the 2027‑2028 school year. The legislation aims to eliminate distractions and improve learning focus.

The ban covers cellphones, laptops, tablets, gaming devices and wearables, but excludes devices issued by schools for educational purposes and allows exceptions for medical needs, special‑education requirements, language translation, or students who are caregivers. Enforcement cannot rely on fines, fees, suspensions or expulsions unless the device use involves other misconduct.

Pritzker said, "We want to make sure that every hour of school time can have the greatest possible positive impact," while Senate sponsor Cristina Castro highlighted the need for responsibility among students who balance school with work or college credit.